Composting is converting decaying organic matter into a fertilizing and conditioning mixture. Compost requires three basic ingredients: browns (dead leaves, branches and twigs), greens (grass clippings, vegetable scraps, fruit waste and coffee grounds), and water. Your compost pile or bin should have an equal amount of browns to greens. Alternate the layers of organic materials, in different size particles.
The brown materials introduce the carbon and the green is the nitrogen. The water provides the moisture to help break it all down.
What Can Be Composted?
What you can compost includes the items listed above but also: eggshells, tea bags, nut shells, shredded newspaper and torn up cardboard, paper, houseplants, straw and hay, sawdust, wood chips, 100% cotton or wool rags, dryer or vacuum lint, hair, and fur.
You must remember to stay completely organic, but even that rule has some exceptions. There are several things you should never include in your compost heap.
What are Some Compost “No-No’s”
What to keep out of your compost heap is important. Your compost pile isn’t a trash can or recycling bin. Some materials just do not qualify as compost materials because they can attract pests, contain ingredients that can cause harmful bacteria or fungus, can cause disease or the material will not decompose at an acceptable rate. Whether you are a seasoned composter or a newbie at composting, here are some no-noes for your compost heap.
- Meat, fats, bones or dairy products-these are odor causing and attract pests
- Coal, charcoal or fireplace ash-can contain ingredients harmful to plants
- Black Walnut tree leaves or twigs-can release substances that are harmful to plants
- Insect-ridden plants or diseased plants-problems can be transferred to other plants
- Pet waste-can contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens and viruses harmful to plants and humans
- Chemically fertilized yard trimmings-grass and shrub clippings that have chemical-based fertilizers are not safe for a compost pile…if fertilized naturally, they are safe
- Cat litter-this contains chemicals that can be harmful to humans and plants
- Weeds with seed heads-dandelions and thistle are among the weeds that have seed heads which will infiltrate your compost and spread to your plants
- Large amounts of leaves-it is fine to add some to your compost bin, but if you have a large amount of leaves, use a biodegradable leaf bag
- Plastics, glass and metals-these are not organic but should be placed in proper recycling bins for disposal
Why Should You Be Strict About Compost Composition?
It is important to stay strict about what you allow into your compost heap or bin. Deviating from the acceptable organic materials can cause big problems like odors of rot, or ammonia. Your compost pile shouldn’t smell. If it does, you have introduced something that has caused it go anaerobic (not enough oxygen to support good microbes), meaning that hydrogen sulfide or nitrogen has taken over. This is fixable, but will take time and some extra smelly work.
Create the Perfect Compost Heap with the Help of Executive Lawn Care
It is much easier to stick to the rules of good composting, keeping those problem items out of your compost pile. It will be well worth it when you are using that dark compost in your garden. If you need any tips or tricks to help enrichen your compost, trust the lawn care experts at Executive Lawn Care to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our residential lawn care services!
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